Award-winning actress, Thokozile Ntshinga, managed to carve an illustrious career in theatre and TV while raising a family – and she’s not done yet. She is still working tirelessly to pass the baton.
With a career that began in the 1970s, Thokozile Ntshinga has worn many hats – actress, director and arts activist are just a few. Her schedule is still hectic when we speak with her, and we are thrilled she manages to squeeze us in.
The Golden Horn Award for Lifetime Achievement she received at the 2018 SAFTAs is just one of the accolades she’s won over the years. When asked which award means the most to her, she says, ‘I respect and welcome all of them. The fact that I have been recognised means a lot to me. You work with people and never know how you have impacted their lives until your name is mentioned in others’ progress. I welcome all accolades that come my way. It means I am doing something right.’
Thokozile has a huge heart. ‘I am passionate about what I do and very patient with young up-and-coming artists,’ she says. ‘I always think of how I have survived in this industry and try to make sure young actors do not struggle as much.’
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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Also passionate about youth development, she is very involved in the Inclusive Arts Programme at Artscape in Cape Town. ‘Artscape has set programmes for the youth,’ she says. ‘I go to communities to find youth-led organisations, encourage them to grow their products then come to Artscape to enjoy the full theatre experience without paying a cent, and still earn a salary. This gives the up-and-coming groups a much-needed push in the right direction.’
She has also founded her own skills development project. ‘Our organisation, the Thoko Ntshinga Foundation, has partnered with youth empowerment organisations Africa Jam and Bavuse Balele to set up a skills programme in rural Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape,’ she says, ‘sharing skills in the arts and culture sector.’
CHILDREN OF THE CAST
In her earlier career, Thokozile faced the unique challenges that come with being a mother and actress. ‘I was fortunate to be in this area of work,’ she smiles. ‘My first child had to stay with my granny when I relocated to Johannesburg, but she was flown to wherever I was during the school holidays. My son was one month old when I started rehearsals with a Pieter Dirk Uys show. At five months, the whole cast took turns to change the nappies backstage and give him the bottle when he started making a noise! My family grew bigger when I adopted my sister’s two kids, and they also grew up in the corridors of the film sets where I worked. My children were always everybody’s kids when I was in a show.’
“I always think of how I have survived in this industry and try to make sure young actors do not struggle as much”
LESSONS OF LOVE
Asked about what motherhood taught her, she doesn’t hesitate. ‘Humbleness, love, care, a sense of giving,’ she says. ‘Motherhood has taught me that nothing is impossible as long as you set your mind to it.’ And the lessons she’s instilled in her children? ‘Be humble,’ she says, ‘but put yourself first before you can attempt to assist others. The world has many challenges but don’t ever think you can overcome all of them. Always say please and thank you.’
These days Thokozile also enjoys the privilege of being a grandmother. ‘I think only now, as a grandmother, I feel I can appreciate my kids,’ she says. ‘I was so busy making sure I worked hard to provide for them that sometimes I buried myself in work. Now, I can spoil their kids and be the adviser. One thing, though – I refuse to live with their kids, but they can visit anytime!’
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Her message to other mothers, in the month we celebrate them all, is heartfelt. ‘You are doing great just by waking up in the morning and making sure your child is well and good,’ she says. ‘You go to bed worrying about what tomorrow will bring, but God always has a plan. Pat yourselves on the back and say “well done” every day. I know some mothers are struggling, but ladies, reach out – you are not alone.’
THOKO NTSHINGA: A LIFE OF GIVING
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
April 20, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
April 20, 2021
Rating:
